To read this content please select one of the options below:

(excl. tax) 30 days to view and download

The extent and determinants of SDG disclosures in Vietnamese listed firms

Huu Cuong Nguyen, Hien Khanh Duong

Meditari Accountancy Research

ISSN: 2049-372X

Article publication date: 20 January 2025

Issue publication date: 12 February 2025

132

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) disclosures among Vietnamese listed firms and identify key influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse SDG-related disclosures of the top 100 listed firms by market capitalisation on the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh stock exchanges as of December 31, 2023, using an established reporting methodology. Data were sourced from annual, corporate governance, ESG, financial and sustainability reports. A regression model was used to examine factors influencing SDG disclosure.

Findings

SDG disclosure among Vietnamese firms is relatively low. Corporate governance, firm size, government ownership, industry and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) usage positively influence disclosure levels, while auditing firm type and firm age show a negative association. Financial firms tend to use sustainable development reports and GRI indicators more frequently.

Practical implications

Practically, strengthening governance frameworks and promoting GRI adoption can improve the quality and extent of sustainability reporting among Vietnamese firms. Socially, enhanced SDG disclosure supports improved corporate practices that align with the United Nations SDGs, fostering a more sustainable and transparent economy in Vietnam.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining SDG disclosure and influencing factors in Vietnamese listed (2021–2023), using the GRI (2016) standard. This study contributes to transparency in Vietnam’s financial markets and sustainability practices, offering insights for preparers and policymakers.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research is partly funded by University of Economics, The University of Da Nang. The authors acknowledge the editors and reviewers for their comments and suggestions that helped improve the manuscript.

Citation

Nguyen, H.C. and Duong, H.K. (2025), "The extent and determinants of SDG disclosures in Vietnamese listed firms", Meditari Accountancy Research, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 335-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-08-2024-2605

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles